Yellowfin cutthroat trout

Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout

The Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii macdonaldi) is a subspecies of the Cutthroat Trout that is native to the United States. This trout species is known for its distinctive yellow fins, which give it its name.

History

The Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout was first described in 1891 by David Starr Jordan, a renowned ichthyologist. It was originally found in the Twin Lakes and Arkansas River in Colorado. However, due to overfishing and habitat loss, this species is believed to be extinct since the early 1900s.

Characteristics

The Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout was known for its bright yellow fins and large size. It was reported to grow up to 10 pounds in weight, making it one of the largest subspecies of the Cutthroat Trout. Its diet primarily consisted of insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish.

Conservation Efforts

Despite being declared extinct, there have been ongoing efforts to rediscover or recreate the Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout. In 2012, a group of researchers claimed to have found the Yellowfin's genetic markers in a population of Cutthroat Trout in Bear Creek, Colorado. However, these claims are still under investigation.

See Also

• Cutthroat Trout
• Trout
• Fish of the United States
• Extinct animals of the United States

External Links

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Colorado State Government